Intrigue 46-08-21 The Great Impersonation

Summary

Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Intrigue 46-08-21 "The Great Impersonation"
Original Air Date: August 21, 1946
Podcast Release: January 1, 2026
Host: Harold's Old Time Radio

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Main Theme / Purpose

This classic radio drama episode, “The Great Impersonation,” adapts E. Phillips Oppenheim’s famous novel of espionage, identity swap, and psychological intrigue. Set on the brink of World War I, the story centers around the uncanny resemblance between Sir Everard Dominy, an English gentleman, and Baron Leopold von Ragastein, a German agent. The plot follows von Ragastein’s attempt to impersonate Dominy for a mission of sabotage and political deception in England. The episode is rich in suspense, mistaken identities, romantic tension, and the ever-present shadow of war.

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Key Discussion Points and Story Highlights

Prologue: The Meeting in Africa ([00:13])

• The drama opens in 1914, deep in the jungle of German East Africa.
• Sir Everard Dominy, a ruined British gentleman, is found ill and bedraggled; he’s nursed by Dr. Ludwig Schmidt and his uncanny double, Baron Leopold von Ragastein.
• They discuss Dominy’s tragic past: driven from England after a scandal involving the death of Roger Unthank and the resulting madness of his wife, Rosamund.
• Notable atmosphere of colonial intrigue and the idea of doppelgängers, setting the stage for the central impersonation plot.

“We might have been born twins, this Englishman and I, eh, Doctor?”
— Baron von Ragastein ([02:08])

The Great Plan: Identity Theft and Espionage ([06:22])

• Von Ragastein, after drugging Dominy, decides to steal his identity and return to England as Sir Everard.
• The plan: use Dominy’s unassuming reputation as a cover for German sabotage during the impending war.

Arrival in London: Old Friends and New Dangers ([07:10])

• Von Ragastein, as Dominy, contacts James Mangan, Dominy’s solicitor.
• He’s quickly recognized (too well) by Princess Stephanie, an old flame of Ragastein, threatening to blow his cover.

“If you wish to succeed with whatever scheme you have on hand, you must not make an enemy of me.”
— Princess Stephanie ([07:39])

• Seaman, a German agent, briefs von Ragastein on the importance of maintaining his disguise; the success of German plans rests on him.

Return to Dominie Hall: The Haunted Estate ([09:00])

• Von Ragastein—now Dominy—returns to his ancestral home in Norfolk.
• The house is nearly deserted; servants fear the ghost of Roger Unthank, Dominy’s (alleged) victim.
• Tensions with Mrs. Unthank (Roger’s mother) and the tormented, possibly insane Lady Rosamund.

“If you’re an impostor, then it will be quite safe for you to sleep in this house. If you’re Everard Dominy, you’ll not live through the night.”
— Mrs. Unthank ([12:48])

Deadly Encounters: Rosamund’s Madness and Loyalty ([13:10])

• Rosamund confronts the imposter, teetering on violence, questioning his true identity.
• The “ghost” of Roger Unthank is invoked; reality and fantasy blur.

Entanglements with Princess Stephanie and Real Emotions ([15:34])

• Princess Stephanie arrives at Dominie Hall; ragastein struggles to keep personal feelings in check while maintaining his identity.
• The masquerade strains both his mission and his former romantic ties.

“If I have deceived even you, then I have succeeded.”
— Von Ragastein (as Dominy) to Stephanie ([17:17])

German War Schemes: Receiving the Sabotage Plans ([20:20])

• The German Ambassador, Prince Carniloff, delivers secret sabotage documents to von Ragastein (posing as Dominy), noting the imminent declaration of war.
• As Ragastein opens the dispatch, the real Sir Everard suddenly reappears—alive, and ready for a confrontation.

The Confrontation: Doppelgängers Face Off ([21:30])

• The real Dominy and von Ragastein come face to face; identities are questioned by their allies and adversaries.
• Mrs. Unthank is brought in to determine who is who, identifying the true “murderous face.”

“Let me hear your voice, whoever you are.”
— Mrs. Unthank ([24:46])

• Seaman, the German agent, is caught between loyalties as violence erupts.

Justice and Resolution ([25:16])

• Mrs. Unthank shoots Baron von Ragastein, believing him to be Dominy and avenging her son’s (supposed) death.
• The real Dominy uses the chaos to turn the spy’s death to his own—and British advantage, ensuring the crucial sabotage documents reach British Intelligence.

Epilogue: Truths Revealed, Ghosts Laid to Rest ([26:06])

• Mrs. Unthank confesses the “ghost” was her own son, Roger, living wild in the woods, driven mad by the earlier tragedy.
• The drama resolves with Rosamund and Dominy reconciled, ready to put their haunted past behind them.

“Just take me in your arms.”
— Rosamund to Dominy ([28:30])

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Doppelgängers and Fate:
  “We might have been born twins, this Englishman and I, eh, Doctor?”
  — Baron von Ragastein ([02:08])

• On Blackmail and Secrets:
  “If you wish to succeed with whatever scheme you have on hand, you must not make an enemy of me.”
  — Princess Stephanie ([07:39])

• On Impersonation and Deception:
  “If I have deceived even you, then I have succeeded.”
  — Von Ragastein (as Dominy) ([17:17])

• On Recognition and Revenge:
  “Let me hear your voice, whoever you are.”
  — Mrs. Unthank ([24:46])

• Emotional Closure:
  “Just take me in your arms.”
  — Rosamund ([28:30])

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Timeline of Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment | |------------|---------------------------------------------| | 00:13 | Introduction, Prologue in Africa | | 06:22 | Von Ragastein’s plan to impersonate Dominy | | 07:10 | Arrival in London, first signs of trouble | | 09:00 | Return to Dominie Hall, local suspicions | | 12:01 | Mrs. Unthank confronts the imposter | | 13:10 | Lady Rosamund’s troubled encounter | | 15:34 | Stephanie’s emotional ultimatum | | 17:17 | Ragastein’s successful deception | | 20:20 | The German Ambassador entrusts secret files | | 21:30 | Climax: The true Dominy returns | | 24:46 | Identity test: Mrs. Unthank’s verdict | | 25:16 | The spy is killed, secret safe secured | | 26:06 | Mrs. Unthank confesses, story closes | | 28:30 | Final reconciliation |

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Tone and Style

The episode is rich in melodrama, suspense, and emotional intensity, characteristic of golden-age radio plays. Dialogue is sharp, atmospheric, and steeped in the intrigue of espionage and hidden identities.

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Takeaways

• Identity and Perception: The story masterfully explores how identity can be manipulated in a world at war, both for personal and political gain.
• Redemption and Reunion: Despite all the deception, love and personal truth manage to prevail, as Rosamund and the real Dominy reunite.
• Espionage and Consequence: The dangers and paranoia of wartime espionage are vividly brought to life, with cleverly plotted reversals and moral ambiguity.
• Classic Radio Brilliance: The adaptation delivers a rich Gothic atmosphere, heightened by passionate performances and evocative sound design.

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For listeners craving vintage suspense, “The Great Impersonation” is a gripping tale of intrigue, romance, and double identities delivered in true old-time radio style.

Transcript

[A]

CBS presents intrigues tales of espionage, manhunt and high adventure. Good evening. This is Joseph Schiltcraut, your guide tonight on a most captivating journey into the land of intrigue. The teller of our tale is the acknowledged master of the literature of deception and conspiracy, E. Phillips Oppenheim. And the story is his masterpiece. The Great Impersonation. A death blending of love, secret enterprise and malevolent cunning. So come with us on another strange adventure into the uneasy fascinating land of intrigue. Joseph Shieldcroft stars in the dual role of Sir Everard Dominy and Baron Leopold von Ragastein. As Columbia presents the Great Impersonation. Our story has a prologue. It is the year of 1914 at a settlement deep in the jungle of German East Africa. Two men wearing the uniform of the German Imperial army sit at the bedside of a haggard, beaver ridden derelict. Please, please, my hair. Do not exert yourself. Who are you? Where the mischief am I? Dr. Ludwig Schmidt of His Imperial Majesty's Africa Corps. Go within half a mile of the Oai river, about 72 miles southeast of the Darawaga settlement. You are perhaps aware that this region is forbidden for British nationals. You are British, of course. Yes, I am awfully sorry to have intruded. I was doing a trek after lion when my native bearers deserted me. I say, you couldn't possibly give me a drink, could you? It is my opinion as a medical man, sir, you have had quite enough of drink during the past few years. Come, come now, Doctor, don't be such a blue nose. Here, here's some brandy. I've been saving it for just such an occasion. Oh thanks, that's fair devilish good brandy that I say. Please, you must not try to sit up. I know what's worrying our friend there. He thinks he's looking into a mirror. Yes, there's an amazing likeness between us, isn't there Doctor? Yes, Excellency, I had noticed it. Why you're. You're Baron from Ragastein. Why you. You've already eaten with me. Quite. And so we meet again, eh, Dominie? Some years older both. And both of us exiles from our native lands. We might have been born twins, this Englishman and I, eh, Doctor? Well, Excellency, in a manner of speaking. The doctor is referring to my wasted youth no doubt. I intended no insult, I assure you. Now tell us, my dear cousin. We are cousins, I believe. What tragedy brought you here to this wilderness? It's all right for the patient to talk now, isn't it Doctor? For a few minutes longer. Excellent. Well, it's a strange sort of a story. Not a thing that could happen in Germany at all, I dare say. I fell in love with a girl in the village near my estate. She was engaged to marry a chap. Roger Unthank was his name. She broke off the engagement to marry me. You are quite happy until. Please pour me another brandy, will you, Doctor? I don't recommend it. Go ahead. Let him have it. Very well, Excellency. Thanks. Well, for Ragastein. To make a long story short, the chap attacked me one night as I was walking up to my house through the woods. We fought. And you killed him? Well, I left him there in the wood for dead. When my wife heard the news and saw me covered with her ex lover's blood, why, she became hysterical. She tried to kill me.

[B]

Please.

[A]

Oh, as you wish. Yes. And after that, Dominic, She suffered a complete mental breakdown. Refused to allow me near her. Unthank's mother, an old witch if there ever was one, came around to look after her. You know, it wasn't very pleasant living in the house with the mother of the man I had supposedly killed. But my wife would allow no one else to nurse her. Well, I left the house. And after that, England. That's my story, von Ragastein. That's 11 years ago. I haven't been home since. You know, Excellency, the resemblance between you and the Englishman is truly striking. Both physically and as to the experiences in life. But if you will permit me, I. Come along, Doctor. Our friend is getting tired. We'll let him sleep now. Oh, excellent prescription. Good night, sir. Oh, good night. Thanks awfully. I only did what any doctor would do. Good night, Dominie. Sleep well. Look, he's dead to the world already. Step outside, Doctor. I want coffee. Yeah, boy. Lexington. Doctor, I think I have a great plan. There's something you do not wish the Englishman to hear? Exactly. We speak in German. Languages happen to be the man's only accomplishment. Especially German. He went to university in Germany, just as I did in England. When he returned home, his people told him he spoke English with a slight German accent. However, I think we needn't worry about his overhearing us. Doctor. I took the liberty of taking some sleeping powders out of your medical kit and mixed them with his brandy and. And your plan, Excellency? My plan? Yes. I shall return to England as Sir Everard.

[B]

Dominic.

[A]

There's the prologue. And here's the story. To Chief of intelligence from Agent R03N and Z. Upon arrival in London, I telephoned James Mangan the solicitor of Sir Everard Dominy's estates. I thought it best to make my first public appearance in London at the company of a respected person and advisor to the Domini family. He seemed suspicious of my identity at first but agreed to meet me at Claridge's for luncheon. I arrived five minutes early and was waiting just inside the door of the restaurant when.

[B]

Leopold. Why didn't you tell me you were coming to London?

[A]

I beg your pardon madam. I'm afraid you're mistaking me for someone else.

[B]

Oh Leopold, stop joking.

[A]

My name is Sir Everard Dominie.

[B]

Oh, so that's it. Oh I'm so sorry darling, but I'm quite sure that no one overheard me.

[A]

Really I.

[B]

Listen my darling, I am very well known in English society. Nothing can make it right or wrong or indiscreet for you to visit me. Here's my card. I'll expect you tonight at 7 o'.

[A]

Clock. Now look here Madam Stephanie.

[B]

Oh you do remember my name. And if you remember other things you know that I will not be trifled with. If you wish to succeed with whatever scheme you have on hand you must not make an enemy of me.

[A]

What do you mean by that?

[B]

Think it over darling.

[A]

I had counted on difficulties with former connections of Everard Dominique. I had not counted on trouble from Leopold von Ragastein's friends. It was necessary to get out of London and away from Stephanie as soon as possible for she was the princess over whom von Ragastein had fought his sensational duel. Newspaper accounts of the affair had been printed all over Europe with pictures of Stephanie and Baron von Ragastein. For the new Everard Dominique to be seen in public with the same woman was a thing I had to avoid at all costs. I had no trouble establishing my identity with Mangan the Domini solicitor and made arrangements to drive up to Norfolk to visit my ancestral estate the following day. After lunch I went to see the German agent. Seaman, you're not doing badly for your first day in a new identity. For the time being however, I. You will not contact anyone but myself. When the time comes you will be approached by our Ambassador here who will deliver to you certain documents important to our successful prosecution of the war. We will shortly fight against England. War is imminent, then a matter of weeks. These documents which the Ambassador will deliver to you a few hours before the declaration of war are the master plan for all our sabotage in the British Isles. At present it is safe only in the hands of our Ambassador who enjoys diplomatic immunity rather than to Deliver it into the hands of one of our agents. It is now our plan to deliver it to you. Or rather to Sir Everard Dominique, a British subject, with above suspicion. You understand now why it is so very important that you succeed in your masquerade. I had not realized how important. Well, now you know, Mr. Seaman, there's one thing that worries me. Yes, Stephanie? The Princess Ira Strom. She approached me at Claridge's and called me Leopold. Within hearing of a dozen or more people. Luckily I don't think anyone was listening, but it might have been disastrous. You'll have to talk to her and explain that she must be more discreet in the future. She even insists that I see her this evening. Now you must go to her and tender my apologies. I am driving to Norfolk tonight to my ancestral estate, Dominie Hall. You are sure it is wise for you to go there? If I am to establish myself as Sir Everard Dominie, it's essential. But his wife. She's staying there, isn't she? Confined to her room? My dear Seaman, Lady Dominie is hopelessly insane. It was around six in the evening when Mangan, the family solicitor and I arrived at Dominy Hall. The house was deserted, but there was a fire in the library and we settled down there to discuss the problem of the prodigal's return. Make any attempt to see your wife. She is confined to her own wing of the house and it would be better if she were not even informed of your return. She still threatens to kill me if I sleep under the same roof. I'm sorry, but that is the case. It's gloomy here. Where are the servants? Oh, they've all gone home. Hours ago. They won't stay here after dark, you know. Why not? Why? Because of the ghost, of course. Ghost? The ghost of Roger Unsank, the man you supposedly killed. What? It is said to visit her Ladyship every night. Tell me, has anyone else seen this so called ghosts besides her Ladyship? Well, you know how superstitious the country folk are. Your wife's doctor says it's a hallucination of hers. Personally, I think she's encouraged in it by Roger Unthanks mother. Roger Unthanks Mother? Yes. She's the old woman who looks after her. Yes. Come in, Goodyear. Good evening, Mrs. Unfank.

[B]

Who is this man?

[A]

Mr. Mangan, it's your master, Sir Everard. Come home again, Mrs. Unfank.

[B]

Is it really you, Everard? Dominique?

[A]

Yes, it is, Mrs. Humphanck.

[B]

There's no place in this House forever Our Dominie. If that's who you are, get back to where you came from. Back to your hiding.

[A]

My good woman, you go too far.

[B]

I've not come to bandy words with lawyers. I've come to speak to him. Can you face me, Everard Dominique? You who murdered my son and made a mad woman of your wife.

[A]

Mrs. Unthank, return to your duties at once. And remember that this house is mine to enter or leave when I choose.

[B]

You've come back a harder man than you used to be. Let me look at you. Yes, you look like him. But there's something in your face that's not the same.

[A]

What on earth makes you think I might be an imposter?

[B]

Mrs. UNThank because ever our Dominique would have been afraid to return to this house.

[A]

Well, here I am.

[B]

If you're an impostor, then it will be quite safe for you to sleep in this house. If you're ever a Dominy, you'll not live through the night.

[A]

Who is it? Who's there?

[B]

If you move or cry out, I'll plunge this knife straight into your throat.

[A]

What do you want?

[B]

I want to look at you. Don't reach for the light. I can see you well enough by the moonlight.

[A]

Rosamund. Is it true? You're mad?

[B]

Mrs. Unthank said it wasn't really you.

[A]

But you know better, don't you? Rosamund?

[B]

I've sworn to kill my husband. Are you really my husband?

[A]

What's that?

[B]

Roger. He's unhappy tonight.

[A]

Is that the ghost they told me about? Rosamund.

[B]

I don't think he wants me to kill you. Yes, Roger. I'm coming. Good night, stranger. Good night.

[A]

After she'd gone, I laid there in a cold sweat, listening to the silence that had settled over the house once more. I touched the spot in my throat where she had held the knife, laid ready to plunge it and end my life. There was a pinpoint of blood where it had punctured the skin. The madness of Lady Dominie, which had seemed such an advantage to Barrel von Ragastein when he planned his impersonation, was a threat to the life of any man who chose to impersonate Sir Everard Dominy. Good morning, Sir Everard. Good morning. I'm Parkinson's, the butler man to send up from the city. Well, I hope you don't believe in Ghost Parkinson. Oh, I've been told all about Return. Also about her ladyship's unfortunate illness.

[B]

I believe you'll find me discreet.

[A]

Discreet? Parkins. Princess Iverstone is Waiting for you in the libraries forever. The princess, when did she arrive? On the early train, sir. We rode up from the station together. Oh, she's a very beautiful lady, sir. Yes, she's indeed, Parkinson. Where shall I put her luggage, sir? Leave it in the car, Parkins. The Princess will be going back on the next train. Yes, that'll be all, Parkins. Thank you. Yes, sir. Well, my dear, you really poor darling.

[B]

Don't be angry with me. I simply had to see you.

[A]

Stephanie, you leave this house at once.

[B]

And if I refuse?

[A]

I thought Seaman had explained to you.

[B]

It wasn't like you, Leopold, to send another man to explain to the woman who loves you.

[A]

If you love me, Stephanie, in heaven's name, leave this house at once. Your presence here and endangers my whole mission.

[B]

I'll go, Leopold. I'll do anything you say. Only take me in your arms and show me that everything is the same between us. That when you are finished with this terrible assignment, we'll be together again.

[A]

Don't you understand, my dear? I am not Leopold von Ragastein. I am Sir Evraud Dominie Everard Dominique does not make love to a woman, not his wife.

[B]

Can't you throw off this masquerade for even a moment? Look at me. I am the woman for whose love you killed a man and went into exile. I am the woman who, for love of you, gave up everything in life. Family, friends, my native land. Is it too much to ask that you take off this cold English mask you're wearing for just a moment? A word, a gesture would be enough. Is it too much to ask?

[A]

If I'm to succeed in my mission, I must be Everard Domini at all times. In public and in private. I must live the part. Or else there's grave danger for all of us.

[B]

You were never one to run away from danger, Leopold. Especially where women were concerned. Or are you, Leopold? Your face, your voice, your gestures are his. But your eyes, when they look at me.

[A]

Who are you? I am Sir Everard Dominic. You will have to be content with that for now, Stephanie. Perhaps one day Leopold von Ragastein will return it all be as it was. But for now.

[B]

But for now and for all eternity, you are another man now. I know it.

[A]

If I have deceived even you, then I have succeeded.

[B]

Where's Leopold? What have you done with him? Please.

[A]

You'll be overheard, sir.

[B]

Let them hear me. Let the whole world hear me. You are another man. But you shan't get away with it. Berlin shall be informed of it the Kaiser himself shall know that his most trusted agent in England. He's an impostor.

[A]

His imperial majesty. Your majesty. It pleases us to see a German officer feel at ease without his uniform. I pray that I may wear it soon in the highest service of my empire and my father. Fatherland. Your prayer will be answered. Baron Ellen. I have sent for you to have a few words concerning your habitation in England. Your Majesty does me great honor. Word has come to me that there was doubt as to your identity. Doubt arising from the source that could not be discounted. Your Majesty. My instructions were to proceed to England and to establish myself there in the role of a trusted British subject. Am I to blame, your Majesty, if I played the part of sir ever brought Dominique so well that even Leopold von Ragastein's lady love doubts his identity? I like your spirit. You everything I've been led to expect of Baron from Dragastein. Hello, Rosamond.

[B]

Everard. You've come back. Afraid you wouldn't.

[A]

Well, I've come home. For good this time, darling.

[B]

Let me look at you ever after.

[A]

You find me much changed.

[B]

Stronger, perhaps better looking. There's something gone from your face which I thought. I thought could never be lost. Where did you go, Everard?

[A]

To Berlin. On a business trip.

[B]

Perhaps that's what it is. You're always a little different. Different? When you've been speaking German for a long time. Do you love the Princess Eider strom?

[A]

Ever the PR. No, of course not.

[B]

Mrs. Unthank says you look like a man that killed her husband in a quarrel over her. Mrs. Unthank thought you were that man. A German.

[A]

She thought that, did she?

[B]

Are you that man?

[A]

Would it make a great, great difference to you, Rosamond?

[B]

No. No, it would make no difference. I've fallen in love all over again with you. Whoever you are.

[A]

I love you, Rosamond. Everything is going to be wonderful, dear. You will get well and everything will be as it used to be when you were happy there.

[B]

I'm not much better, though. I heard Roger's voice again last night.

[A]

I think that voice will go away, Rosamund. Very soon.

[B]

Yes.

[A]

I beg pardon, sir. Is a gentleman calling. Prince Taniloff.

[B]

Taniloff? The German ambassador?

[A]

Yes. A business matter. Excuse me, darling. He's in the library, sir. Thank you, Perkins. Ah, Prince Carniloff. Baron Van Ragstead. Or should I say Sir Everard? Dominique. We can talk in this room, Excellency. It's completely soundproof. One of the improvements Sir Everard made in the house since his return.

[B]

From Africa.

[A]

Excellent. It was necessary for me to come to you for this, the third and last of our meetings from Dragstag. Why the last, Excellency? The embassy is under surveillance. In short, Baron, the glorious day is at hand. Attack. In a matter of hours, the Kaiser's armies march. I have brought the documents in this dispatch case. It's no longer safe in my hands. I accept it as a sacred trust, Excellency. Well, These documents are the master plan for our wartime sabotage in England. Their loss would seriously cripple the operation of our intelligence services here. I'll handle them accordingly. Then. I. I'm confident you will. And now I must leave you. Time runs short. Get hard. Get hard, Excellency. I carried the dispatch case over to the table and snapped on a lamp. With trembling fingers, I broke the imperial seals that unwound the tapes. As I reached into the packet, I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the leaded panes of the garden window. It was haggard and drawn. I hadn't been aware that I'd been living under such attention. And then, while I stood still, my reflection moved. The tall window swung open and it stepped into the room, followed by another man. My reflection was the real Baron, and he carried a revolver aimed straight at me. Seaman was the first to speak. Well, Sir Everett, congratulations on your success in impersonating yourself. Who had a better right? How pale he is, Baron. How he trembles. How could we ever have been persuaded that he was you? Your stupidity will be dealt with later, Simon. You can start redeeming yourself now by taking the dispatch case and checking on the contents. Yeah. Well, Excellency. Yes, yes, these are the documents. The seals are broken, but the contents are undisturbed. That is well for you, Seaman. After all, it was my idea to follow Turnilov here. Don't forget that. Yes, I shall note that in my report to His Imperial Majesty. Your Excellency is a man of justice. Don't believe him, Seaman. He'll have you shot for the blunder you made. Help me and you'll be rewarded. Silence, you British swank. You are not going to live long enough to reward anybody. Seaman. Yes, Excellency. You have arranged for disposing of the body? Yeah, yeah, all is arranged. It won't work, von Ragastein. It's too late. You see, you counted on my wife's insanity to make your masquerade possible, eh? Well, not only has her condition improved, but she and I have been reconciled. It's too late for you to take my place in this house. There Is something in what he says? Excellent. Perhaps it would be better if ever Domini simply disappeared. Silence, you idiot. Excuse me, I. So you doubt my ability to convince your wife, eh, Domini? That's a hasty conclusion. But then you are given to hasty conclusions, my friend. If you hadn't been in such a hurry, you would have realized that I wasn't quite as dead as you thought I was when you left me for dead in Africa. And if you stop to reflect on what you know of mine success with women, you would realize that it won't matter whether I convince Lady Dominique whether I am really her husband or not. When she gets acquainted with me. I think she will be well satisfied with the exchange. I understand. By the way, she's not unattractive, eh? A beautiful woman. Excellent. Why, you dirty piston, MacMotlin. Well, Dominie, have you said your prayers? I really should like a little more ceremony about all this. But it suppose it ends up with the same thing in the end, I shall simply have to shoot you. Excellent. You disturb my excitement.

[B]

This is a gun I'm holding in your ribs.

[A]

Everard.

[B]

Dominique. Do as I tell you. Stand over there against the wall in the light. I don't want to miss.

[A]

She thinks you're Dominique. She wants to kill Dominie. My good woman, you are making a great mistake. I'm not Domini.

[B]

You can't fool me.

[A]

Ever.

[B]

I'd to like Dominique. You killed one man and would have killed another if I'd not stopped.

[A]

Well, I'm not Dominique. He's Dominique.

[B]

Look at him. Can't you see you look alike? But I know a murderous face. Yours is a murderous face.

[A]

Speak to him. Make him speak. Then you'll know. Very well.

[B]

Let me hear your voice, whoever you are.

[A]

Come on. Come on. Talk to her. Talk to her.

[B]

He's not even English.

[A]

Who are you? Why do you want to kill Domini?

[B]

I am the mother of the man you killed. And now you've drawn Rosamund under your spell again. She no longer cares about what happened to my son. That's why I know you're really Everard Domini. And that's why I'm going to kill you. You're mad. You killed my son. And now you're going to die.

[A]

No. Misses Unthank's aim was excellent. Baron von Ragastein slumped to the floor, dead. This time, beyond any doubt. With the help of the reluctant seaman, I removed the body from the house. And I saw to it that it was delivered to those very efficient gentlemen of the German secret Service, who already had their instructions about what to do with it. Mr. Seaman, who stood very close to me while I had the gun in his ribs, convinced them that it was the body of Sir Edward Dominique. After that had been done, I drove into the fortress where I left him and the dispatch case in the care of the governor, one of our veteran British Intelligence officers. It was after midnight when I returned to Dominie Hall. Rosamond met me at the door.

[B]

Everard. Everard, are you all right? Don, he is not Everard. I killed Everard. He's dead. Look in the library. You'll see what happened. I thought I heard a shot.

[A]

Yes, darling, that was the first shot of the First World War.

[B]

I killed him. I killed him.

[A]

Shut up, you old witch. And now listen to me. You've just killed a man. Only I know who that man was. Only I can save you now. If you don't want to hang, you'd better start talking.

[B]

Talking?

[A]

Yes, about the ghost, your son and all the rest of this nonsense.

[B]

I didn't know it was my son at first. He was always a wild boy. He never meant any harm. But after he lost that fighter, Sir Everard in the wood, he went all unhinged, like he was living there like a wild thing, afraid to come out and face his old friends. And then he got this idea of driving Sir Everard away from the house and pretending to be a ghost. What are you saying, son? Roger is alive. Alive? He is if you call it being alive. I tried to take him and make him live decent, but he's a wild thing. Crazy. Crazy for the love of you. That's why I still say he's dead. Dead. And Sir Everard killed him as sure as he shot him there on the wood that night.

[A]

I think I'll get the. Cut us up here tomorrow and cut down that patch of woods. It spoils the view from the terrace, sir.

[B]

You drive him out of the wood. What will become of him? He's a wild thing, sir. A poor wild thing.

[A]

Well, I think you'd be much better off in an asylum, Mrs. Hunthach. Perhaps you'd like to go along and look after him, eh?

[B]

I shouldn't mind. I only wanted to be where I could look after him. I'm sorry, Miss Hunthank. I'm terribly sorry. Sir Everard, that man I shot, did you say he was a spy?

[A]

Yes, Mrs. Humpbank. One of the most important spies in the German secret Service.

[B]

Oh, Lobby. Just wait until I kill my Roger. I shot a spy.

[A]

And that, sir, concludes my report. If at any time I can again be of service, I trust that you, as Chief of British Intelligence, will call upon me. Very truly yours, Sir Edward dominic. There. Even Mrs. Unthank will like my report. Darling.

[B]

Poor old soul.

[A]

My darling. I.

[B]

Don't start explaining anything else. Everard. I'll really go mad. Just take me in your arm.

[A]

My sweet. I should have known.

[B]

Oh, I don't know. Sometimes. Sometimes it's more exciting not to know.

[A]

CBS is brought to you. Joseph Schillcroft is the star of E. Philip Soppenheim's the great impersonation. Again, Mr. Shieldcrow. Next week, the star of Intrigue as a girl, our plays the Smiler with a Knife, our star, Miss Virginia Bruce. Until then, good night and good listening. Adapted by Robert Tallman. Intrigue is another Columbia feature production, directed and produced by Charles Vanda. Intrigue theme was composed by Gail Cubic with score by Lucian Marovac and conducted by Lud Gluskin. James Matthews speaking. This is cbs, the Columbia Broadcasting System.